With one of the best MLB debuts in recent history, Bo Bichette dominated the MLB in his limited time in 2019. He is the son of former slugger Dante Bichette, and he has the potential to be the next big MLB superstar.
Bo Bichette was born on March 5, 1998 and went to high school at Lakewood HS. He was drafted straight out of high school in the 2nd round of the 2016 MLB draft. He signed soon after. Bichette started his career as an 18 year old kid in rookie ball. In 82 AB, Bichette slashed .427/.451/.732 with 4 HR and 9 2B. The next year they promoted him to A, and across A and A+ ball in 2017 Bichette slashed .362/.423/.453 with 14 HR in 448 AB.
At this point he was looking like a top prospect, but then 2018 came. It’s not like 2018 was bad or anything, but he slashed .286/.343/.453 with 11 HR in 539 AB in AA. He had finally calmed down.
And then just like that, Bichette slashed .288/.355/.485 with 8 HR in 233 AB in AAA. Before I tell you how his major league debut went, let’s get to his 2019 Prospect Handbook ratings and quotes.
The 2019 Prospect Handbook ranked Bichette the 2nd best prospect in the Blue Jays’ system. He was also ranked the 3rd best SS prospect in baseball.
“With a chance to develop into a plus or better hitter and stick at shortstop, plenty of all-star games could be in his future.”
The Prospect Handbook was so full of praise for him that it was hard to choose just one quote. So here’s 2 more:
“He drives the ball well to the middle of the field with average raw power, and he has the bat speed and strength projection to hit above average power in the future.”
“He has good body control, quick footwork, and ranges well up the middle.”
Although he was overshadowed by fellow prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr, he was still an amazing prospect. But even after that, nobody was ready for what would happen next.
In his major league debut, he was batting sixth. He went 1-4 with a single. The next day he went 2-4 with a run and a walk. And then he hit a double in the next nine games every single game! He started his major league career with an 11 game hit streak. In that time, he hit 4 HR and 9 2B.
He finished the year with 196 AB in the major leagues. He slashed .311/.358/.571 with 11 HR and 18 2B. He had a 144 OPS+ to go along with above average defense at SS. He was so good in his time in the majors, and he’s only 22 years old! He has so much potential at such a young age!
This was part 3 in a 5 part series called “The Blue Jays Have Something Special”. As always, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!